2013-06-08

Indigenous knowledge

In our project we also want to ask how signs in nature can be used predict a dry season - a drought? Traditionally, there is quite a large set of indicators that humans have used to predict an upcoming drought. The knowledge of how to interpret these signs has been passed on through the generations. This indigenous knowledge (IK), how can it be recorded and combined with measured data to predict drought? Can we use the language of indigenous knowledge to also disseminate information local community: the instruments and models predict a drought, and it corresponds well with the signs of nature.

In our workshops we had discussions - farmers, representatives of the department of agriculture, ourselves: how could these signs be used?

Some of the results coming up from the discussions were documented on posters as the ones below. The discussions will be compiled and presented.
More information on this topic can for example be read at

The first hole!

The first post and the first hole dug!

On June 5, we installed the first two sensor stations in the Mokwakwaila community, Greater Letaba Municipality.

Even though it is Winter in South Africa at this point, the weather is still warm for us Northerners. However, this particular day there were some drizzle and cloudy. Perfect day for digging.